Eur J Anat, 17 (3): 166-175 (2013)

Congenital anomalies in North Western Indian population â?? a fetal autopsy study

Kanchan Kapoor¹, Kashish Singh¹, Anshu Sharma¹, Balbir Singh¹, Anju Huria² and Suman Kochhar³

¹Department of Anatomy, GMCH, Chandigarh, India, ²Department of Obst. and Gynae, GMCH, Chandigarh, India and ³Department of Radiodiagnosis, GMCH, Chandigarh, India

ABSTRACT Better knowledge of unexpected fetal loss is the promise for better parental counseling and for prevention of recurrences. Fetal autopsy can provide a clue to ascertain cause of death in these cases. Variations in the incidence can be attributed to multiple factors. The present study was carried out to help us to develop a database concerning number of autopsies, incidence and types of congenital malformations (CMF) in the North-Western Indian population. The period of study was from January 2010 to November 2011. Autopsy was carried out on 150 fetuses following guidelines provided by a fetal autopsy protocol. Prior to autopsy, prenatal investigations such as ultrasound and radiographs were procured; a brief maternal and family history was noted. Out of a total of 150 autopsies, 87(58%) were induced abortions and 63(42%) spontaneous abortions. In total, the incidence of CMF was 104(69%) of fetal autopsies. The types of CMF were classified as central nervous system defects (CNS) in 49 (33%), gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders in 48 (32%), musuculoskeletal (MS) disorders in 31 (21%), genito-urinary (GU) in 25 (17%), and genetic disorders in 12 (8%). Multiple anomalies were present in 40 (27%) fetuses. Anencephaly (meroencephaly) turned out to be the most prevalent anomaly (29%). A few cases showed the occurrence of some uncommon syndromes. Major CMFs manifested very early in intra-uterine life, and could lead to termination of pregnancy (spontaneous or induced) in the 2^nd trimester of gestation. Hence the presence of any CMF at the time of birth cannot provide the total percentage of CMF occurring in a given population. The above findings are discussed in the light of the available literature.

Keywords: Fetal, Autopsy, Congenital, Major anomalies, Malformations, Fetus, Abortion